Forester (Land Mgmt) - 20051137 at STATE OF OHIO in Chillicothe, Ohio

Job Description:

Who we are:

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is committed to its mission “To ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.” Our agency embraces the insightful use of our natural resources to assure the continued safety, happiness and prosperity of Ohio’s people.

ODNR owns and manages state parks, state forests, state nature preserves and wildlife areas. We license all hunting, fishing and watercraft; oversee and permit all mineral extraction, monitor dam safety, manage water resources and serve as the second largest Law Enforcement presence in the State of Ohio.

We are accepting applications for a Forester within the Division of Forestry, headquartered at Shawnee State Forest in Scioto county. The address is 13291 U.S. 52, West Portsmouth, Ohio 45663-8906.  To learn more about the Division of Forestry please visit Division of Forestry (ohiodnr.gov).

What you will do…

• Serve as Land Management Forester to ensure sustainable forest management practices on state forest lands;


• Play a lead role in wildland fire fighting efforts


• Perform public relations duties, promoting interest, activity, & understanding in forest conservation;


• Conduct cruises & inventoriy state forest land, as well as prepare timber sales;


• Assist in the dvision's mission to promote and apply management for the sustainable use and protection of Ohio’s private and public forest lands.

What’s in it for you…

The State of Ohio offers an excellent benefits package which includes extensive medical, dental and vision insurance. At least a 14% employer contribution into your OPERS pension plan, Employee Tuition reimbursement program and much more.  To view all the benefits offered, please visit Total Rewards . 

We are ready for you!

We’re glad you’re interested in pursuing a rewarding career with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources!  Exploring and protecting the natural beauty of Ohio will prove to be the most enjoyable career opportunity you will ever find!

Serves as Land Management Forester & develops & maintains multiple use resource management plans for assigned state forest area(s) & coordinates plans to provide needed priority to timber production, minerals, wildlife habitat, recreation, watershed protection, soils, aesthetics & other environmental qualities: prepares district forest management zone maps to ensure protection of sensitive areas, cultural/historical areas, plants & animals, & consideration of appropriate forest users (i.e., general public); makes recommendations to management & staff regarding use of state forest areas to demonstrate sound forest management techniques to public & private forest landowners; submits plans for review to higher-level management staff; reviews & implements approaches & techniques for potential application to state forest land management (e.g., prescribed fire, Geographical Informational System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS)); assists in acquiring  & maintaining third party sustainable forestry certification (e.g. audits, developing written plans & obtaining appropriate GIS information); may assist in invasive species program.

Conducts cruises & inventories state forest land to determine types, stock, size, growth, conditions, & volumes of trees & seedlings on various sites (i.e., data is utilized in areas to include management plans, timber appraisal, timber sales, & forest health monitoring): analyzes & interprets data (e.g., in conjunction with other factors such as wildlife, recreation, aesthetics & watershed) to determine forest management needs; makes recommendations to higher-level management staff for timber sales, timber stand improvement or other cultural treatments; monitors health of forest & recommends appropriate forest management actions; utilizes traditional forestry equipment, new technology, & aerial photographs to collect & analyze forest data; prepares reports & documents & maintains forest management records; monitors impacts of recreation & public activities on forest; makes recommendation for design, layout, maintenance, relocation & rehabilitation of trails &/or other public uses.

 
Represents division & performs public relations duties:  promotes interest, activity, & understanding in forest conservation; writes news articles; organizes &/or participates in field days & demonstrations; makes public appearances via radio, TV & service groups; writes reports; composes correspondence; attends meetings with civic, professional, & governmental agencies; serves as local contact for division programs & responds to simple inquiries; works on special projects; performs wildfire support as directed within training & physical capabilities; assists certification coordinator in implementing & conducting certification activities in the Land Management Manual (e.g. forest plans relating to contract administration, activity assessments, silvicultural prescriptions, activity inspections, monitoring): produces reports & documents relating to certification program.
 

Prepares timber sales:  marks trees for harvesting; estimates volume by species; establishes layout for logging roads & necessary boundaries; prepares maps & summaries of marked timber required to prepare bid information; addresses concerns regarding public sentiment, neighbor impact, best management practices, erosion, road construction, harvesting equipment, & other special considerations; administers timber sales for compliance; completes revenue transmittals regarding timber sale transaction; scales forest products for volume as directed, marks logs for bucking, assists with forest product merchandising; monitors assigned activities relative to exploration & development of minerals & oil & gas on state forests; may train forest industry personnel in proper harvesting practices; may serve as lead worker & organize tasks to accomplish daily projects involving lower-level positions.

Performs routine maintenance on work vehicle (e.g., checks oil & tires, cleans vehicles, checks fluid levels): perform maintenance on trails (e.g., inspects & evaluates trail condition, removes trees & other debris from trail, mows/treats vegetation along trail edge); performs facility maintenance (e.g., mowing, painting, building repair); oversees the implementation of forest boundary maintenance (e.g. encroachment, trespass issues, paint/mark).

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATION AFTER EMPLOYMENT: Must successfully complete basic firefighter/introduction to fire behavior course (i.e., S-130/S-190) within first year of employment pursuant to national interagency management system (i.e., wildland & prescribed fire qualification system guide).

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Requires travel; exposed to inclement weather, dust, dirt, insects, & poisonous plants; responds to wildfires.

Completion of undergraduate core coursework in forestry or related field of study; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in public relations; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in operation of computer software programs; valid driver's license. 

Or 12 mos. exp. as Forestry Technician, 22321. 

Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.